Mini tarts

Delicious Mini Tarts with Vanilla Cream and Fresh Fruits

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12 mini tarts

On a sunny day, there's nothing more delightful than indulging in a fresh and tasty dessert. Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits are an excellent choice for any occasion, from a birthday party to a picnic in the park. These tarts not only look stunning, but they also combine the sweet flavor of vanilla cream with the freshness of fruits, offering a memorable culinary experience.

The history of mini tarts is fascinating, as they originate from pastry traditions that date back centuries. These desserts have evolved over time, being made with various fillings, from chocolate to fruits, quickly becoming a favorite for many.

Let's get started! Here’s how you can prepare these delicious mini tarts:

Ingredients

For the tart crust:
- 300 g flour
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 egg yolk
- About 3 tablespoons cold water

For the tart cream:
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 50 g sugar
- 25 g flour
- 300 ml milk
- Vanilla extract
- Gelatin (in powder)
- Fresh fruits (in season, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preparing the tart crust:
- In a large bowl, add the flour, soft butter, oil, and egg yolk. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- If the dough is too crumbly, gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get a dough that holds together but is not wet. It's important not to over-knead, as this can make the tart tough.
- Form dough balls about 4 cm in diameter. These will be the bases of the mini tarts.
- Roll each dough ball on a lightly floured surface until you get thin discs that fit into muffin tins.
- Place the dough discs into the muffin tins without greasing them, as the dough will release easily after baking.

2. Baking the crusts:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the tart crusts for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely in the tins.

3. Preparing the tart cream:
- In a small saucepan, whisk the whole egg and egg yolk with the sugar until the mixture becomes a pale yellow foam.
- Gradually add the flour and mix well to avoid lumps.
- Incorporate the milk gradually, stirring continuously.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Once the cream has thickened, add the vanilla extract, mix well, and remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the cream to cool.

4. Assembling the mini tarts:
- Once the crusts have cooled completely, fill each tart with the vanilla cream.
- Arrange the fresh fruits on top of the cream, decorating them nicely for an appealing look.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and carefully pour it over the fruits, ensuring they are well covered. This step will help keep the fruits fresh and looking appetizing for longer.
- Refrigerate the mini tarts for at least 30 minutes, but they are also delicious right after assembling.

Serving suggestions
These mini tarts can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. They pair perfectly with a fragrant tea or a glass of refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a dry white wine or prosecco could complement them beautifully.

Possible variations
- You can add cocoa to the dough for a chocolate tart crust.
- Instead of vanilla cream, you can use chocolate cream or a mascarpone filling.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations, such as mango, kiwi, or bananas, to customize the dessert to your liking.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, but it's recommended to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the tart.

2. How long can I keep the mini tarts?
They keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor will change slightly.

Nutritional benefits
These mini tarts are a source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as protein from eggs and milk. The fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthier dessert option compared to others.

In conclusion, mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits are not only a quick and easy dessert to prepare but also a delicious choice to celebrate special moments in your life. Experiment with the ingredients and create unique versions that reflect your tastes! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Tart crust: 300 g flour, 100 g soft butter, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 egg yolk, about 3 tablespoons of water. Tart cream: 1 egg, 1 yolk, 50 g sugar, 25 g flour, 300 ml milk, vanilla essence, gelatin, fruits.

 Tags:  tart my tart vanilla cream fruit gelatin sweet recipes